Aaron Gryder
Birth Date: June 05, 1970
Birth Place: West Covina, CA, United States
Won the world’s richest horse race, the $6 million Dubai World Cup at Nad al Sheba Racecourse, with Well Armed in 2009. Well Armed romped home by 14 lengths, the largest margin of victory in the history of the race.
Captured the riding crown at the 2011 summer meeting at Golden Gate Fields when he posted 29 victories at the 22-day session.
Has won riding titles at Aqueduct (New York), Churchill Downs (Kentucky), Arlington Park (Illinois) and Hollywood Park (Southern California).
Grew up near Santa Anita Park in Southern California and aspired to be a jockey from an early age after being introduced to horse racing by his father and grandfather – two big fans of the sport.
Rode his first winner, Ragin Henry, on Jan. 18, 1987, at Agua Caliente racetrack in Tijuana, Mexico.
Became the first apprentice to top the jockey standings at a Hollywood Park meeting when he took leading rider honors at the 1987 fall meet with 31 victories.
Scored big victories early in his career with Asteroid Field (winner of the Grade 1 Matriarch Stakes at Hollywood Park in 1987), Fitzwilliam Place (Grade 1 Beverly Hills Handicap, Hollywood Park, 1988), American Royale (Grade 2 Adirondack Stakes, Saratoga, 1991), Great Navigator (Grade 1 Hopeful Stakes, Saratoga, 1992), and Senor Thomas ($750,000 Super Derby, Louisiana Downs, 1992).
Has also collected graded stakes wins with Ommadon (winner of the Grade 2 Nashua Stakes at Aqueduct in 2000), Smokey Stover (Grade 2 Potrero Grande Handicap, Santa Anita, 2007), Tough Tiz’s Sis (Grade 2 Hollywood Oaks, Hollywood Park, 2007), Sweet August Moon (Grade 3 Las Flores Handicap, Santa Anita, 2009), and Desert Code (Grade 3 Daytona Handicap, Santa Anita, 2009).
Teamed with Well Armed to win three graded stakes in 2008 – the Grade 1 Goodwood at Hollywood Park, the Grade 2 San Diego Handicap at Del Mar, and the Grade 2 San Antonio Handicap at Santa Anita.
Has competed at tracks across the U.S. and also spent time riding in Hong Kong.
Has had television roles in “Dellaventura,” “The Sopranos” and “Jockeys.”
